Cough syrups sold without prescription in Ahmedabad despite ban after Chhindwara tragedy

Despite the death of 14 children in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district due to toxic cough syrup, Gujarat continues to see blatant violations of rules meant to prevent such incidents.

Even after the Centre issued clear instructions mandating that cough syrup must not be sold without a doctor’s prescription, medical stores in Ahmedabad and across the state are openly selling it over the counter.

The Chhindwara tragedy was linked to dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol found in the cough syrup. The chemical can cause severe kidney damage, and its presence in the fatal batch raised nationwide alarm.

The investigation also revealed a Gujarat connection pharmaceutical units in Ahmedabad and Surendranagar had supplied raw materials used in the contaminated syrup sent to Madhya Pradesh. However, officials in Gujarat have not disclosed what action, if any, has been taken against these companies.

Meanwhile, misuse of cough syrup has become rampant in Gujarat. Workers in industrial zones, including GIDC areas, are allegedly consuming it as a substitute for alcohol. 

Despite this, the state’s Food and Drugs Control Administration has been accused of ignoring the issue due to alleged corruption.